Does Labor Migration Improve Access to Public Goods in Source Communities? Evidence from Rural China

Abstract

What is the effect of out-migration on drinking water provision in rural China? Despite concerns about the ability of migrants to contribute to collective action for public goods provision, this study demonstrates that villages with higher rates of labor migration are more likely to have public drinking water than those with little migration. Temporary labor migration reduces isolation and increases connections outside the village. External funding sources including county governments favor villages where they have contacts as well as villages that need more support because most working-age adults are working outside the village. As a result, villages with high rates of out-migration are more likely have public access to drinking water. The findings are based on data from a survey of more than 50 natural villages in two townships of Southwest China.

Group interview. Ministry of Water Resources employees – county and provincial offices, Guiyang

20140730.BD.10

Huo Ma Shan village

20140825.MH.12

Head of water, forestry, and agriculture for Ma Hao township

20140825.MH.14

Party secretary, Jin Zhong village

20140826.MH.16

Party secretary, Bing Dong village

Interview codes combine the date, the initials of the township, and the interview number for that date and location. Thus, interview 201040730.BD.06 was the 6th interview conducted on 30 July 2014 in Bai Duo Township. Only interviews cited are listed here. Where applicable, I have listed the natural village, specifically, and the title or place of employment for interviewees other than villagers. All interviews were conducted by the author

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